Laplanders in Finland and Sweden are asked to provide information on wireless network connectivity issues.

Arctic 6G is a collaborative project funded by the EU’s Interreg Aurora program, which involves the University of Oulu, Luleå University of Technology, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The project investigates the technology required for 6G connections and identifies end-user challenges.

What is 6G?

Mobile technologies evolve approximately every ten years, and 6G is expected to arrive in the early 2030s. Currently, 6G use cases and their needs are being investigated. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has published the IMT-2030 (6G) use cases that guide development work. For the first time in the history of mobile technologies, sustainable development and connections for all are at the centre.

Globally, about three billion people still lack internet access, and most of them live in rural or remote areas. The goal is to “connect the unconnected” by eliminating the digital divide. In Finland and Sweden, connectivity issues are still encountered, especially in sparsely populated areas although the problems are not as significant as in Africa or Asia.

An open survey is being conducted for citizens, and an interview tour is being conducted in Inari and Utsjoki

The purpose of the survey is to collect information on the current state and needs of network connections in northern areas. The survey results are valuable information for the progress of the project, and everyone can influence future network connections.

You can participate in the survey at https://link.webropol.com/s/arctic6gsurvey.

Interviews and surveys conducted as part of the Arctic 6G project are a central part of the project’s data collection. Previously, municipal bodies were interviewed in the ARCTIC 5G Test Networks project, and now the aim is to focus on the tourism industry, reindeer herders, and others. The focus is on connectivity issues and needs that can guide 6G development work and application requirements. The Arctic 6G team will be conducting interviews and testing 5G connections in the Utsjoki and Inari regions in December.

For additional information visit: https://arctic6g.eu/